What will Rams run defense improvement mean for 2026?
Rams run defense improvement: Why recent roster upgrades point to sustained Rams improvement in 2026
Rams run defense improvement looks like the clearest sign that the team can climb in 2026. Fans should feel optimistic because front line play improved last season. Two years ago the Rams allowed 130 rushing yards per game. In 2025 they cut that to 110.8 yards per game, which ranked 12th fewest. That progress mattered because it stopped drives and created turnover chances.
Poona Ford and Nate Landman anchored the interior. Together they tallied 179 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, seven pass deflections, and seven turnovers. As a result, the unit became tougher and more disciplined. Defensive coordinator Chris Shula enters his third season, so schemes will stay familiar.
Meanwhile the front office upgraded other spots. The team added veterans and playmakers to secondary and edge. That should ease pressure on the run defense. Younger players like Tim Keenan III and Ty Hamilton give depth. With training camp ahead, early signs point to sustained improvement and a defense ready to make plays in 2026.
Rams run defense improvement: interior play, continuity and key contributors
The Rams run defense improvement starts with stronger play up front and steady coaching. Over the past two seasons the unit trimmed its allowed yards per game from 130 to 110.8. As a result, opponents faced shorter drives and fewer third and longs. That momentum creates a clear foundation for 2026.
Poona Ford and Nate Landman anchor that foundation. Together they produced 179 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, seven pass deflections, and seven turnovers last season. Because they operated as a tandem, the interior created consistent gap control and tackling reliability. Fans saw more stops at the line of scrimmage and more turnover opportunities.
Why continuity matters
Defensive coordinator Chris Shula enters his third season. Therefore the scheme will feel familiar to returning players. That continuity lets Ford and Landman focus on technique and run-stuffing details, not learning new play calls. As a result, the defense can improve in situational tackling and pursuit angles.
Key impacts and takeaways
- Tackles: 179 combined stops shows volume and reliability.
- Sacks and tackles for loss: 4.5 sacks and 12 TFLs help stall drives early.
- Turnovers: seven takeaways swing field position and momentum.
- Depth: rookie options like Tim Keenan III and Ty Hamilton add rotation and rest for starters.
Looking ahead
All signs thus far point to substantial progress, and that optimism has basis. Because the pass defense upgrades should reduce single-block matchups, the run defense will benefit from less fatigue. Additionally, better tackling cornerbacks will limit wide runner gains on screen plays.
In short, the Rams run defense improvement looks sustainable. With proven interior play, added depth, and Chris Shula’s steady hand, the unit should convert gains into wins in 2026.
Defensive stats snapshot: 2024 vs 2025
The table below highlights the Rams run defense improvement from 2024 to 2025.
| Metric | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Yards allowed per game | 130 | 110.8 |
| Run defense ranking | N/A | 12th fewest |
| Tackles (Ford and Landman combined) | N/A | 179 |
| Tackles for loss | N/A | 12 |
| Sacks | N/A | 4.5 |
| Pass deflections | N/A | 7 |
| Turnovers | N/A | 7 |
As a result, the drop in yards allowed signals better gap control and tackling. All signs thus far point to substantial progress. Therefore interior production should lead to more stops and better field position in 2026.
How pass defense upgrades strengthen Rams run defense improvement
The Rams invested heavily in pass defense, and that choice helps the run game indirectly. By signing Trent McDuffie, Myles Garrett, and Jaylen Watson the front office improved pressure and coverage. As a result, opposing offenses must respect the rush and cannot focus purely on the ground game.
Impact of the veteran additions
- Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson bring better tackling than the outgoing cornerbacks. Therefore fewer missed tackles on screens and short gains should occur.
- Myles Garrett adds consistent edge pressure, which prevents quarterbacks from comfortably extending plays. Because quarterbacks hold the ball less, linebackers face fewer cutback lanes.
- Better pass coverage reduces long developing plays, so the front seven can prioritize gap control and run fits.
Youth, depth and competition
- The Rams used five draft picks and 18 UDFA signings to infuse talent and competition.
- Rookie Tim Keenan III and Ty Hamilton are in a real fight for rotational snaps. Meanwhile Payton Zdroik now has a three-year deal and brings veteran interior depth.
- Multiple open slots remain before the 90-man training camp limit, which keeps competition intense and meritocratic.
What this means for run defense
Because corners tackle better, outside runs and screens lose steam. As a result, Poona Ford and Nate Landman will face fewer one-on-one fatigue moments. Additionally, improved pass rush reduces the time blockers stick in run lanes. Therefore all of these upgrades support sustained Rams run defense improvement in 2026.
CONCLUSION
Recent roster upgrades and coaching continuity give real reason for optimism about Rams run defense improvement heading into 2026. The front seven has tangible gains, and the secondary received clear upgrades. Because Poona Ford and Nate Landman return in a familiar scheme, they can refine run-stopping technique rather than relearn calls. As a result, the team should show steadier gap control and fewer long runs.
The signings of Trent McDuffie, Myles Garrett, and Jaylen Watson strengthen pass defense and indirectly help the run unit. Improved coverage and edge rush will reduce blockers’ time in run lanes. Therefore starters should face less fatigue and more favorable matchups late in games.
Young talent and competition matter too. With five draft picks and 18 UDFA signings, rookies like Tim Keenan III and Ty Hamilton will push for roles. Meanwhile training camp and preseason battles will reveal who earns rotation snaps and squad depth.
Fans should stay tuned for those updates. For ongoing coverage and training camp reports, visit Rams News LLC and follow Twitter at @ZachGatsby. All signs thus far point to substantial progress, and 2026 looks like a season of genuine defensive momentum.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What drove the Rams run defense improvement in 2025 and how does that set up 2026?
The Rams cut rushing yards allowed from 130 to 110.8 per game. Poona Ford and Nate Landman combined for 179 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, seven pass deflections, and seven turnovers. Because Chris Shula enters his third season, the scheme stays familiar. As a result, the unit can refine technique and become more consistent in 2026.
How do the new pass defense signings help the run defense?
Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson improve tackling at corner. Myles Garrett brings edge pressure and forces quicker throws. Therefore quarterbacks hold the ball less, and blockers leave run lanes earlier. In short, better pass defense reduces fatigue for the front seven and supports run defense stability.
Will rookies and UDFA signings make a difference?
Yes. The Rams used five draft picks and signed 18 UDFAs this off-season. Rookie Tim Keenan III and Ty Hamilton compete for rotational snaps. Payton Zdroik adds veteran interior depth on a three-year deal. With multiple open slots before the 90-man training camp, competition should raise the overall level of play.
Is the run defense improvement sustainable or a one-year spike?
It looks sustainable. Continuity in coaching and returning starters reduce learning curves. Because Ford and Landman no longer need to learn a new system, they can focus on run-stuffing details. Therefore the interior should keep producing stops and turnovers.
What should fans watch during training camp and preseason?
Track tackling consistency, rotation of interior linemen, and edge pressure frequency. Also watch cornerback tackling on screens and short yards plays. Finally, notice who wins snaps among rookies. These indicators will reveal if Rams run defense improvement continues into the regular season.
